JACK Rodwell’s former football teachers expressed their delight over the Southport-born star’s selection for the senior England squad.

The 20-year-old’s place in the squad to face Spain and Sweden was confirmed at the weekend after his string of impressive performances for Everton FC this season.

And his childhood coaches at Farnborough Road Primary School and Birkdale High were over the moon with the news.

After signing for Everton as a schoolboy, Jack was destined for success according to his teacher at Farnborough Road.

A member of the school’s double-national championship winning side he was one of a host of talented footballers PE teacher Nick Hanlon taught.

But as a pupil Jack’s talent on the pitch was not the only thing that stood out – apparently it could not have happened to a nicer pupil.

Pleased with the latest landmark in the midfielder’s career, Mr Hanlon said: “Jack was a major part of our success. He was at Everton during that period and we worked closely with Everton, playing him when we felt it was right and resting him to give him a chance to recover.

“He was a very talented boy but he was still a team player. He was very pleasant and unassuming – he actually asked to come back in Year 10 for work experience.

“I’ve a huge sense of pride every time I see him play for Everton and I’m so proud of him now to get the call up for the full squad because he has been a mainstay of the U21 squad.”

After tasting success at Farnborough Road, Jack then moved on to Birkdale, where he continued to excel.

PE teacher David Ross, who taught Jack during his five years a the school, was also full of praise for his former pupil.

He said: “It’s fantastic news. I don’t think it’s any surprise to be honest because even when he was very young, when he first arrived, you could see the talent.

“We are absolutely delighted for him because he was a super young man as well as a great footballer.

“Even in Year 11, when he stopped playing because we didn’t want him to get injured playing for the team, he still came and watched.

“Academically he did well, too.

“He is a tremendous young man and deserves everything he’s achieved.

“I’m sure he will achieve a lot more in the future.

“He’s certainly the best footballer we’ve had at Birkdale, and we’ve had five or six good players.”